DC woman found dead in stairwell now confirmed to be homicide victim

Northeast woman’s January death ruled homicide as blunt force trauma confirmed
DC woman found dead in stairwell now confirmed to be homicide victim
Photo 144829917 © Jasmina | Dreamstime.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A woman discovered unconscious in Northeast in the early hours of a cold Tuesday morning has been identified as the victim of a homicide, following new findings released by the medical examiner this month.


Key Points

  • Thameka Harvell, 54, was found dead on Tuesday, January 7 in the 600 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE
  • Her death was ruled a homicide in April due to blunt force head trauma
  • Investigation remains ongoing, with a reward of up to $25,000 offered for information

Unresponsive woman found in Northeast neighborhood

Around 5:02 a.m. on January 7, officers were called to the 600 block of Rhode Island Avenue, Northeast, for a report of an unconscious person. When they arrived, a woman was found unresponsive and showing no signs of life. Emergency services pronounced her dead at the scene.

The victim, later identified as 54-year-old Thameka Harvell of Northeast D.C., was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for further analysis.

Homicide confirmed months later after autopsy findings

Following a detailed forensic examination, the examiner determined the cause of death was a blunt force head injury with additional contributing factors. In April, the manner of death was officially ruled a homicide.

Investigators continue to work the case, and no arrests have been made. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.